Bent even texted Young every day for over a fortnight in a bid to persuade the wing wizard to stay.

He added: “I was in Ash’s ear every day. I just kept texting him ‘One more year’ for weeks and weeks. When we were away with England I was on his case all the time.

“But I understand. It’s Manchester United – the biggest team in the world, so I wish him good luck. I hope he does really well.”

With two of their star names gone, Villa fans fear 27-year-old Bent will be next.

But the club-record £24m signing is confident he can build on his nine goals in 16 games since his January arrival.

He added: “It doesn’t affect me at all. What Stewy and Ash did was for their careers. I’d like to be here for the long haul. I’ve only been here six months and it has gone well. I want to build on that.

“I hope this season will be as successful as last. There’s no reason why I can’t score as many. I always seem to have found a way to score goals, regardless of the service.”

Villa have England Under-21 winger Marc Albrighton on the books and will expect more from flop Stephen Ireland.

They also remain hopeful of landing Charles N’Zogbia despite negotiations with Wigan reaching a stalemate.

“It’s going to be a big season for Marc Albrighton,” said Bent. “He’s impressed me a lot since I arrived.

“I’m sure he’s going to grow and, you never know, he might find himself on the verge of winning a full England cap.

“Ireland is going to be a like a new signing. He’s shown in training since he’s been back how good a player he is.”

As for the possible arrival of N’Zogbia, he added: “That would be fantastic. It would be tremendous for me as a striker.”

Bent also revealed the extent of his frustration at being overlooked by Fabio Capello for last year’s World Cup squad.

He added: “It’s always going to grate with me until the day I die. I don’t think anything will ever make up for that.”Villa striker rues lost stars